Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1887-10-07

We are satisfied that the most substantial,
thoughtful and better element of the Demo-
cratic party throughout the State, does not
at this time, desire to see Constitutional
Convention called. 1t has been lifted, we
think, to this very wise and safe position
through the influence of the press and other
wise, that such step, at this period and
under existing circumstances, would be Be-
riously detrimental TO the material progress
of the State as it would also be dangerous,
if not ruinous, to the Democratic party, and
that therefore it is better
"To bear the ills we have
Than fly TO others that we know not Of"
We feel confident, that midst the uni.
yersal rush Of progress and the growing
disregard for "things that are old" it is not
quite forgotten that the Constitution Of 1867
was made at period when there was the
most perfect harmony of sentiment In the
Democratic party, and when a community
of patriotism, economy, interest and honest
desire pervaded 1t from its center to its cir
conference We have every reason TO be-
lieve that the larger clement of the Demo-
cratic party in the State remember wish
honest pride that among its distinguished
trainers were some of the purest and best
men in the State, among them Judge Car
michael, Judge Alvey, Judge George VIM.
Brown, Geo. M. Gill and Judge G. w. Dob
bin, who gave TO it all the force of their
rich experience and gigantic minds, and
who in their luminous wisdom, prudence
and oversight were cautious enough to
make.it so ample and broad as to allow
successive legislatures the full power 10 en-
act such further legislation as was not in
consistent with vested rights-an instru-
ment spreading its benefcent results by the
beauty of its economy, prescribing for future
generations the duties of citizens and pro-
viding for coming generations 1t would re-
main the inspiration and hope of those who
suffer under the system OF a corrupt politi-
cal philosophy; liberal and enlightened
opinion was to find power with its estab-
lishment, and its majesty giving TO it the en-
ergy Of manifest truth, it was 10 stimulate
the vigor Of our progress and future great
ness
We believe that the popular sentiment Of
the Democratic party in the State is strong
ly in favor of sustaining the Constitution of
1S67-that il is impressed with the convic-
ton that it is as perfect as any new Consti-
tuition is likely to be. That If il has any
defects the instrument itself provides for
amendments-that it gives TO the Legisla-
ture unrestricted power 10 tax all the prop.
erty in the State except such as is protected
by the Constitution of the United States,
and all corporations in the State are subject
TO taxation on their property in the same
manner as are individuals, and il more
stringent regulations are necessary they can
be provided for by an amendment II ap-
preciates the fact that the judicial system
can likewise be changed by amendment IL
so desired. If experience has fully demon.
strated that 1t is best to abrogate the pres
ent Court of Appeals and substitute an
other Court at much higher salaries it can
be accomplished by amendment, and so as
regards any other desirable change
We are unwilling 10 arrive at the conclu-
sion that the voters of Maryland, without
regard TO party feeling, are ready and will
ling To undertake the formation and adop-
ton Of new Constitution at the enormous
cost Of three quarters of a million Of dollars,
when they have such an easy mode of se-
curing any desired change. and at such
comparatively triHing cost The formation
of new Constitution means the establish
ment of perpetual debt to the people OF
Maryland, the multiplication OF offices and
the raising of salaries all along the line,
which is 10 be met with additional taxation
wrung from the now almost exhausted II
not paralyzed energies of the industrial
classes throughout the State. For twenty
years the people of Maryland have lived
happily under the Constitution of 1867
how far it has ripened into glory and hon
or-to what extent 1t has rewarded the pat
riotic toll of the wise and good men who
shaped it into being, or how successfully 1t
has served every growing emergency ia best
illustrated in the development of the social,
moral, political and material progress of the
State since and during its adoption.
Let US then learn wisdom from the past.
To be oblivious now Of dangers around and
approaching US is objectionable.
A large ard enthusiastic mass meeting of
tine Democracy of Anne Arundel county
was held at Annapolis on Tuesday night